It’s morning and your alarm is going off. You’re thinking, “no, I just fell asleep!”. You notice your heart start to race, it is hard to breath and the racing thoughts won’t stop! You don’t want to get out of bed but if you don’t you know you will feel worse, as if that is even possible! Somewhere, at some point, something happened and your world started feeling chaotic and overwhelming. And since then, you’ve been surviving on auto pilot and doing your best not to fall apart. If this is you and you want to feel better, allow me to help.
Counseling (also referred to as therapy or psychotherapy) assists individuals address their emotional, mental and physical concerns. Services typically start with an assessment to determine the level and type of care needed. A general listing of Counseling providers is below, following the information about different counseling professional titles.
Adult counseling services are found in many settings, including community mental health organizations, clinics, individual practices, schools, primary care offices, and faith-based organizations. Some locations have psychiatrists on site or on-call, while others can refer to psychiatric care as needed. At times, counseling is required as part of a treatment plan.
Counseling for co-occurring disorders (also referred to as “dual diagnosis” or “MICA”) is offered by some agencies, as part of a program specifically addressing both mental illness and addiction. See Group-Specific Services for further discussion.
Substance use disorder (addiction) counseling is included in the separate Substance Use Disorder section of this website. Counseling resources for special groups or conditions, such as Postpartum, Veterans, Developmental Disability or Immigrant & Refugees, are included in the Group-Specific Services sections. Others may be found at 211wny.org.
About Nicole
Born and raised here in Buffalo New York it has always been my passion to help to improve my home community. I began my career by focusing on some of the most vulnerable populations which has included children in foster care, adults with developmental disabilities, teen mothers, as well as adolescents and young adults who have struggled with mental health issues. I have always believed that humans are strong and resilient. Despite setbacks we can make it through tough situations when we are willing to accept help from others.
Over the past year and a half we have all experienced stress, uncertainty and pressure unlike ever before. This has negatively impacted each of us, our families, and our communities as a whole. We can however develop a new normal. These times have been especially difficult for over-thinkers and people who struggle with depression because it is even more difficult now to find a balance between helping others and taking care of ourselves, as well as dealing with the frustrating demands of our everyday lives.
There is hope for us all. We can work together to develop and implement a plan to help you reach your personal goals of balance, health and happiness. Developing a trust filled and consistent relationship is key to a successful counseling experience. I look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey. Please give me a call at (716) 926-6009 ext 5 or click here to schedule an appointment.
Education:
Medaille College, Buffalo, NY, MA Mental Health Counseling
Hilbert College, Hamburg, NY BS Psychology
License, Certifications & Awards:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Medaille College
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, New York State Office of Professions
Additional Training:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Progressive Counting
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
About Maddie
Being someone who others feel comfortable turning to in times of stress is something I have always enjoyed, so pursuing a career in Mental Health Counseling feels like a natural career path for me. Long after I had trained in and practiced different treatment modalities, I realized how much counseling can help facilitate growth and support for those of us who are suffering with daily struggles or unresolved past experiences.
My goal as a counselor is to use what I have learned to help you identify your own strengths, look at things differently and find new ways to cope with stress. Often times we may be so used to operating and thinking a certain way that we feel it is impossible to change. I find that with help from a supportive guide we are more capable than we ever thought possible. As a counselor, I have never asked my clients to do something I have not already tried myself in my own life when I am feeling unbalanced or overwhelmed. My holistic approach will help you gain a better understanding of your mind, body and spirit. I incorporate a variety of treatment modalities into my work, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and trauma-informed care.
A bit about me in case you were wondering… I was raised in Western New York and I am so happy to be back here once again! I spent time in Ohio where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from John Carroll University. Afterward, I traveled with my husband to the Army base in Fort Hood, Texas where I obtained my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have had the privilege to work with people of varying ages including adolescents, young adults, and seniors in both individual and couples counseling settings. I have experience practicing in schools, nonprofit agencies, college campuses and even a military base. I have worked with people from all different backgrounds and I find the commonality we all share is a desire to feel connected, whole, and in control of our own lives.
If you would like to speak with me to set up an appointment, I would love to hear more about you and how I can help. Please give me a call at (716) 926-6009 ext 4 or click here to schedule an appointment.
Education:
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
John Carroll University, University Heights, OH, BA in Psychology
License, Certifications & Awards:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, The University of the State of New York
About Bessie
There are times when our minds, our relationships, or our world can present us with challenges that are too difficult to work through and manage on our own. We can find ourselves so focused on what is going on around us that we ignore what is going on inside us.
It takes courage and strength to seek out a therapist and begin the process of exploring your innermost self. I have found myself drawn to working with those committed to addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences. Throughout my life it has been my experience that managing (or not managing!) these types of struggles can feel suffocating and isolating. I offer a non-judgmental space where we can begin that exploration and you can begin to make yourself a priority. Your story matters, and my goal as a therapist is to compassionately guide you through life’s struggles and help you reach a place where you can embrace your inner strengths and find inner peace.
Now for a little bit about me. I grew up in WNY and joined the U.S. Navy straight out of high school. After 7.5 years in the Navy I transitioned back to civilian life and moved back to the Buffalo area. After completing my education, I started my counseling career working in residential substance use treatment. One thing I learned from both being in the military and working in the substance use community is that people are resilient. I am passionate about helping people to emerge from their difficulties stronger than they were before and with the skills to tackle life’s challenges.
I would love to hear your story. I work with adults and older adolescents 15-19 yrs old. Ready to get started? Please call me at (716) 926-6009 ext 3. You may also click here to schedule an appointment.
Education:
Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH, BA Psychology
License, Certifications & Awards:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, The University of the State of New York
Additional Training:
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
About Amanda
Although I am originally from Western New York, I lived in Missouri for several years. When my mother became ill, I returned to help my father care for her. Ultimately, I took care of both my parents. Caring for them, while juggling the other parts of my life, was very difficult. Following the loss of my parents, and other losses around the same time, I went through a period of time where I struggled. The years of care-taking, all the losses, the stress of handling their affairs, and coping with my grief all felt like too much. It took me some time and some really good support before I felt more like myself again. We all have struggles and deal with different issues. I truly care about my clients and want to help them find their way to a better life. I know that it can seem insurmountable at times, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I am passionate about helping people move beyond the obstacles, make positive changes and empowering them to their highest potential. I want to make your life better. I provide a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling. I practice from an Integrative approach, which means I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies, according to my client’s individual needs. My approach involves genuine caring, healing, acceptance, and non-judgment. I also work with my clients from a strength-based, positive, and affirming perspective. I can assist you with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem, caregiving issues, grief and loss, creating more meaning and purpose in your life. I work primarily with adults. I would very much like to help you through your hard time. Please call me at (716) 926-6009 ext 2. You may also click here to schedule an appointment.
Education:
Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, MA Psychological Counseling
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, BS Psychology
License, Certifications & Publications:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, The University of The State of New York
Licensed Professional Counselor, Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Missouri State
National Certified Counselor, National Board For Certified Counselors
Gender Specific Treatment for the Chemically Dependent, Dr. Diane Marr and Amanda Wenner, Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Summer Edition 1996
Additional Training:
Specialized Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), The Linehan Institute
About Lesley
As the oldest of five children, an aunt to several nieces and nephews, a friend to many, and as a wife and a therapist, I know that life can be chaotic, complicated and stressful. Sometimes it’s overwhelming.
There are days I literally have to remind myself to breathe. I also know that it doesn’t have to be that way, it can get better. I have learned that sometimes some very simple things (like taking a few deep breaths) make a world of difference. For the “really big” things in your life, I know that although it doesn’t feel like it, it is possible to change your perspective on those events and not be so affected by them (and if you’re thinking, “yeah, right”… I didn’t believe it either until I experienced it for myself!).
I am so passionate about sharing what I have learned with you, helping you effectively cope and feel better. In my work, I help to integrate the whole person, drawing on your strengths, positive qualities, past successes and inner resilience. I work with adults and adolescents on both personal and interpersonal issues. My approach is holistic. I address all aspects of your being: physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual.
If you would like to talk about what’s going on, I would love to hear your story. Please call me at (716) 926-6009 ext 1. You may also click here to schedule an appointment.
Take good care,
Lesley
P.S. For those of you who are interested, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Amherst, New York. I hold a Masters’ degree in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College and have completed the Trauma Counseling Certificate Program from the UB School of Social Work. Also, I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR Therapy). I use several holistic modalities, including EMDR therapy and mindfulness-based practices.
In addition to working with clients on an individual basis, I am also a group facilitator. I’ve contributed to the empowerment and strengthening of individuals, children and families in the community. Some of my groups and workshops include Color Me Happy: Art Techniques for Stress Management; Inner Radiance: Mandalas for Healing; Mind Full vs Mindful: Your Brain on Stress & What to do about it; and Reset, Restore & Renew: 5 Practices to Revitalize your Body, Mind & Spirit. I also provide on-site crisis debriefing services for a variety of local companies. In addition to my clinical work, I have provided trainings for several organizations and have presented to general audiences speaking on the topics of stress management, holistic wellness and mindfulness.
Education:
Medaille College, Buffalo, New York, MA Mental Health Counseling
Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado, BA Religious Studies
License, Certifications & Awards:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, The University of The State of New York
National Certified Counselor, National Board For Certified Counselors
“Certificate of Appreciation” Award for outstanding work with families, and
“MST Awesomeness Award” based on stats achievement, Catholic Charities, 2009
Additional Training:
Trauma Counseling Certificate Program
University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, School of Social Work
Certification in EMDR Therapy, EMDRIA approved program
University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, School of Social Work
NET Basic & NEXT (Neuro Emotional Technique), N.E.T., Inc.
Individual and Group Crisis Interventions, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
Professional Activities and Memberships:
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
WNY EMDR Community
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
Buffalo Mindfulness Community Board of Directors
Creative Edge Arts Studio, Advisory Board Member (2006-2009)
